So I know that I've posted here before that in Canada it is mandatory to wear a life jacket while being pulled.... Sad to say... really sad to say I was wrong. Now I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong, just sad cause it's not law. Was doing some research on how late you could pull someone when I came across my error.
Here's the law in Canada on towing riders;

Waterskiing and Other Recreational Towing Activities

The rules that govern waterskiing also apply to other towing activities like barefoot skiing, tubing, kneeboarding and parasailing. Here are rules to remember when towing someone
with your boat:

•There must be a spotter on board the boat who can keep watch on each person being towed and communicate with the operator.
•There must be an empty seat on your boat for each person being towed in case they need to come on board.
•Only personal watercraft made to carry three or more people may be used for towing. •If anyone being towed is not wearing a lifejacket, there must be one on board for them.
•No towing is allowed when visibility is poor or from one hour after sunset to sunrise.
•A towing boat cannot be remotely controlled.

These requirements do not apply to a boat that is being operated during formal training, in an official competition or in a skill demonstration if the boat meets the safety requirements of a governing body respecting such training, competitions or demonstrations.

I for one disagree with this ... However I'm not meaning to open up a debate here I just am merely stating that I was wrong, and posted incorrectly.

johnny_defacto

06-24-2012 9:57 PM

Never saw the error you posted, but thats cool of you to correct it. I think it's awesome that Canada doesn't require vests. Crazy that a socialist leaning country like Canada is ahead of America in the personal freedom, choices, and personal responsibility when it comes to watersports.

501s

06-24-2012 10:17 PM

I'm also kind of surprised you don't need a vest in Canada. i wouldn't let anyone wakeboard without one or even tube. The occassional surf is ok in my mind though.

Up here, cops are much more concerned with Booze then anything esle (in my experience), due to canadainas being such heavy drinkers and all......

Orange

06-25-2012 12:57 AM

Not sure where I stand on this...

On one hand, I would never ever let anyone behind my boat that wasn't wearing a vest. It's absolutely stupid not to wear one - no excuses. I don't even like it when people wear comp vests... I let them but it makes me uncomfortable.

On the other hand, I'm all for personal choice, and failing to wear a life jacket isn't harming anyone else.

Funny thing is I was just joking about this with somebody on my boat today... A kid that wasnt happy I was making them wear one all the time so they were questioning me why they had to. I told them it wasn't even for their protection.. It's so that if they fall overboard and hit their head or get run over by another boat that their body will float back to the surface. The lake police get tired of dragging the bottom of the lake.

stuntmonkey

06-25-2012 2:26 AM

^hahaha amazing.

I'm the same way. I don't like people who don't wear uscg vests mainly because of the floating face up issue, and we've had people get knocked out before.

But there is no way in hell you are riding behind my boat without a life jacket, tube, ski, surf, wakeboard. Not happening. Not just because I don't want your death on my conscience but its also a legal issue.

Wiatowski

06-25-2012 8:41 AM

I thought this part was interesting;
These requirements do not apply to a boat that is being operated during formal training, in an official competition or in a skill demonstration if the boat meets the safety requirements of a governing body respecting such training, competitions or demonstrations.

It is mandatory for "kids" to wear a life jacket.... bu tI have yet to find an age....I would assume that it would be anyone under 18 would be in that category.
I did find out however that anyone under 16 can not wear a inflatable PFD, and that they are not to be used for towing activities.

Here is something else I found to be interesting;
In Canada from 2001-2006 the number of boating related fatalities was an average of 175 per year.

Of these 90% were not wearing a PFD or life jacket.

Once again... not debating the life jacket issue, just trying to get the correct facts.

DealsGapCobra

06-25-2012 8:49 AM

What Johnny said! I want the freedom to make my own choices! I don't like our law requiring the skier to wear one but everyone behind my boat will be wearing one with or without the law.